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October trial set for Florida man in terror support case

PENSACOLA, Fla. — An October trial date has been set for a Florida Panhandle man accused of lying to FBI agents investigating his possible support for the Islamic State terror group.

The Pensacola News Journal reports (http://on.pnj.com/2bmD0oz ) that 31-year-old Robert Blake Jackson pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a charge of making a materially false statement to a federal agent. A judge set an Oct. 3 trial date.

An FBI affidavit says Jackson made Facebook postings in 2014 and 2015 expressing support for extremist terrorist groups and a desire to assist the Islamic State. The affidavit says Jackson was fired from a Pensacola telemarketing business for viewing terrorist-related websites and videos on his work computer.

Authorities say Jackson denied these activities, but agents were able to tie the pro-Islamic State posts to Jackson's home computer.